The council meeting was called to order by Mayor Struck at 5:30 pm followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Members present: Councilor Buchanan, Councilor Williams, Councilor Neve, Councilor Davis, Councilor Little, Police Chief Eastham, City Supervisor Houk and Clerk/Treasurer Roberts.

3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA, CONSENT AGENDA, AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES

A motion was made by Councilor Neve to approve the Agenda, Consent Agenda and the minutes of the January 8, 2018 regular meeting. The motion was seconded by Councilor Williams. Vote: Ayes-5, Noes-0, Absent-0

Vendors – Check #43740 thru Check #43789 - $189,139.64

4. CORRESPONDENCE

Mayor Struck presented a letter that was sent to the Mayor and City Council from Carol Clements-Newbom who lives at 621 California Street. Her letter addressed nuisance issues with her neighbors at 620 California Street including way too many cars parked on their property, fly problems and a portable toilet in their front yard. She also mentioned a property behind 620 California that always has vehicles on their property that they do repair work on, but the property is not zoned for an auto repair business. City Supervisor Houk explained that since the owners of the 620 California property moved from Raymond in 2014 this has been an ongoing issue. About every two years the city and Police Chief Eastham send letters and request compliance – even tickets have been written – and the owners do the minimum for compliance and then slowly it starts over again and the city is back to square one. City Supervisor Houk has been in contact with the Pacific County Health Department to see what else can be done and a new compliance letter has been mailed. Councilor Neve asked if she could get copies of any letters that are sent and City Supervisor Houk advised her he would see that she get copies. A question was asked why the fines and actions could not be cumulative and Councilor Little noted that it was likely the Judge would throw it out if the case seemed too critical towards the defendant. It was also noted that, unless the owners invite the city or county into the house, no one can enter it for inspection.

5. RESOLUTION #2018-01 – INCREASING THE AMOUNT OF "CASH ON HAND"

Clerk/Treasurer Roberts presented Resolution #2018-01 – Increasing the Amount of “Cash on Hand” explained that it had been 24 years since the amount of cash in the till had been increased. The need for more change has become a necessity. Councilor Neve made a motion accepting Resolution #2018-01 – Increasing the Amount of “Cash on Hand” as presented. The motion was seconded by Councilor Little.Vote: Ayes-5, Noes-0, Absent-0

Prior to discussing the Parks Caretaker contract Councilor Williams stepped out of the council chambers to avoid a conflict of interest. (See January 8, 2018 minutes) Mayor Struck asked if the council had taken time to look over the parks budget for 2018 and if they had any thoughts as to where the budget could be cut to allow for the requested $200.00 per month contract increase which was requested by parks caretaker, Dave Williams, at the January 8, 2018 council meeting. Mayor Struck asked Councilor Buchanan for his thoughts and Councilor Buchanan questioned Mr. Williams’s responsibilities at Cheney Park now that South Bend High School has an agreement with the city with regards to the newly installed baseball field. Mayor Struck explained that some of that, including the maintenance of the restrooms, has yet to be worked out with the school, but those particular restrooms are only open during events not on a daily basis. Councilor Little adamantly believes that Mr. Williams needs the raise. Councilor Neve suggested that the city dump (get rid of) the Parks Caretaker dwelling (trailer house) and give Mr. Williams the $200.00 per month increase. Councilor Neve noted that he seems to do a good job and she sees him working during the summer and he keeps the city looking nice. Mayor Struck noted that removing the dwelling has been discussed but the city hadn’t planned to remove it until possibly the end of the year. Councilor Neve suggested that it be done now! Following a brief discussion which included Clerk/Treasurer Roberts explaining how the contract increase would be handled and that it left NO wiggle room in the parks budget for the rest of the year Councilor Neve made a motion to remove the parks caretaker dwelling (trailer house) within ninety (90) days and to increase the parks caretaker contract by $200.00 per month effective January 1, 2018. The motion was seconded by Councilor Little. Vote: Ayes-4, Noes-0, Absent-0, Absention-1(Ayes – Councilor Buchanan, Councilor Neve, Councilor Davis, Councilor Little and Abstention – Councilor Williams)

7. ITEMS FROM THE PUBLIC

Citizen Linda Buchanan wondered about the planning commission. Multiple questions were asked by Ms. Buchanan about the planning commissions function, how many members were on the commission, when their meetings were held, if they were open to the public and what their authority was. Mayor Struck answered Ms. Buchanan’s questions and suggested that if she had further questions to please come to her office and she would be happy to talk to her further about the planning commission.

8. DEPARTMENT HEAD REPORTS

None

9. MAYOR’S REPORT

Mayor Struck announced that the capital budget finally passed and that freed up the Centennial Fund money which should finally allow the city to finish the Central Avenue Sewer Project that wasn’t completed last year.

Mayor Struck provided the council with a drawing that showed the appropriate “Chain of Command” for the City of South Bend and where the council fell within that chain. Mayor Struck also explained what is appropriate and not appropriate when it comes to council members talking to employees about city business or coming onto job sites. Clerk/Treasurer Roberts also explained how the Mayor appointed committees work and what their roll is.

10. COUNCIL COMMENTS

Councilor Buchanan reported that he is just learning stuff.

Councilor Williams asked if a member of the planning commission had to be from South Bend and he was advised no, they do not have to be from South Bend. They don’t make decisions for South Bend – they make recommendations that are approved by the council.

Councilor Neve noted that she was on the planning commission for one or two years and she found it to be pretty interesting if that is something you enjoy.

Councilor Neve asked if the ditch at W. First and “A” Street could be ditched. It has a lot of stagnate water in it. City Supervisor Houk advised he would check it out.

Councilor Davis noticed the speed monitor on Pacific. Police Chief Eastham advised that the battery is dead now and has asked that the county remove it, but it seemed to work well. His department has again applied for a grant to purchase one, but they have not heard anything back yet.

Councilor Little asked about the speed sign that used to be at the white half bridge (Highway 101 near 702 W. Robert Bush Drive). City Supervisor Houk advised that the state took it down and it won’t be replaced.

11. ADJOURNMENT

The meeting was adjourned at 6:17 PM to meet again at 5:30 PM on Monday, February 12, 2018 for the next regularly scheduled meeting at South Bend City Hall.

The council meeting was called to order by Mayor Struck at 5:30 pm followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Members present: Councilor Buchanan, Councilor Williams, Councilor Neve, Councilor Davis, Councilor Little, Police Chief Eastham, City Supervisor Houk and Clerk/Treasurer Roberts.

3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA, CONSENT AGENDA, AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES

A motion was made by Councilor Neve to approve the Agenda, Consent Agenda and the minutes of the December 11, 2017 regular meeting. The motion was seconded by Councilor Williams. Vote: Ayes-5, Noes-0, Absent-0

The council and staff were given an invitation from Valley View Health Center. They will be celebrating the completion of the remodeling project of their Raymond Clinic on Wednesday, January 24th from 4:30-6:00 pm. There will be refreshments and tours of the newly remodeled space.

5. ORDINANCE #1530 – 2017 BUDGET AMENDMENT

Clerk/Treasurer Roberts presented Ordinance #1530 – 2017 Budget Amendment and explained that this was due to the last minute interfund loan to cover the purchase of the garbage truck. Councilor Neve made a motion accepting Ordinance #1530 – 2017 Budget Amendment as presented with one reading only. The motion was seconded by Councilor Little. Vote: Ayes-5, Noes-0, Absent-0

6. DAVE WILLIAMS – PARKS CARETAKER

Prior to Parks Caretaker Dave Williams addressing the council Councilor Williams stepped out of the council chambers to avoid a conflict of interest. (Mr. Williams is the parks caretaker and works under contract for the City of South Bend. His current contract is up for renewal for 2018.) Mr. Williams provided a handout to the council and staff showing what the former parks caretaker duties were and what his current duties entail. Based on those duties he requested an increase of $200.00 per month to his contract. Discussion followed including the need for the parks caretaker trailer, the expenses included as part of the parks caretaker contract, i.e. phone, utilities, power and housing. Clerk/Treasurer Roberts reminded the council that an increase in the contract was not budgeted for 2018 so if they decided to increase the contract they would need to look at the parks budget and decide where to cut $2,400 to allow for that increase. Following further discussion Councilor Neve made a motion to table the Parks Caretaker Contract until the January 22, 2108 meeting. The motion was seconded by Councilor Little. Vote: Ayes-4, Noes-0, Absent-0, Absention-1(Ayes – Councilor Buchanan, Councilor Neve, Councilor Davis, Councilor Little and Abstention – Councilor Williams)

7. 2018 SERVICE CONTRACTS

Councilor Williams made a motion to approve the following 2018 Service Contracts as presents: Municipal Court Judge, Public Defender, Prosecuting Attorney, Custodian-City Hall/Fire Hall, City Supervisor/Building Inspector, Clerk/Treasurer and Police Chief. The motion was seconded by Councilor Neve. Vote: Ayes-5, Noes-0, Absent-0

8. ITEMS FROM THE PUBLIC

None

9. DEPARTMENT HEAD REPORTS

Police Chief Eastham gave a brief update of his department since the last council meeting which included another juvenile sexual assault. There is a warrant for the suspects arrest, he knows that he is wanted and is on the run. Police Chief Eastham noted that Sergeant Stigall and Officer Gonzalez have done an excellent and thorough job on the case so far – there is still a great deal of work left to do. Since 2015 his department has made 5 sexual assault arrests that has included over 20 victims.

City Supervisor Houk reported that the Transportation Improvement Board grant (TIB) that the city was recently awarded includes a small section of sidewalk repair that City Supervisor Houk was unaware of until recently. The sidewalk from Central Avenue to Willapa Avenue along Highway 101 (south side) will be fixed. The total award for this project is $510,245.00 with a city match of $1,955.00. City Supervisor Houk advised that the design phase will be starting soon.

City Supervisor Houk noted that Utility Service Associates, a leak detection service was recently hired by the city to help locate leak issues as the city’s recent water loss was close to 60%. Two major leaks were found right away – each one was leaking about 200 gallons of water a minute. Since those and several other smaller leaks have been fixed the water treatment plant has actually shut down which it has not done for a very long time. This will go a long way in helping slow down the wear and tear on the plant and plant filters. There is one additional leak that is near the river crossing that has been leaking for years. City Supervisor Houk explained that the crew will start working on that repair Tuesday or Wednesday and hope to repair it “hot” to avoid any loss of pressure to the homes in Baleville. If there is any loss of pressure there will be a boil water advisory issued by the Department of Health. Councilor Neve asked about the possibility of a leak on 2nd Street near Steve Rogers house (510 W. Second Street). City Supervisor Houk explained that those are underground springs not leaks which is not necessarily a good thing, but have been around for a long time.

City Supervisor Houk announced that he has been in contact with LeMays to see about them providing back up if our new garbage truck should go down. So far the talks have been positive.

City Supervisor Houk pointed out that the garbage route went really smooth the first week. The east side was completed by 2:30 pm and the west side was done by 3:00 pm. The whole town was picked up in two days.

10. MAYOR’S REPORT

Mayor Struck asked for the council’s confirmation of Wyatt Kuiken and Aaragon Markwell to the planning commission. Councilor Neve made a motion confirming Wyatt Kuiken and Aaragon Markwell to the planning commission. The motion was seconded by Councilor Williams. Vote: Ayes-5, Noes-0, Absent-0

Mayor Struck requested that the council accept her recommendation of Councilor Neve as Mayor Pro Tem. Councilor Williams made a motion appointing Councilor Neve as Mayor Pro Tem for 2018. The motion was seconded by Councilor Little. Vote: Ayes-5, Noes-0, Absent-0

Mayor Struck presented the council with the annual council committees. After a brief discussion Councilor Williams suggested that he not be on the parks committee due to a conflict of interest. Councilor Davis proposed that she move to the parks committee and Councilor Williams take over the streets committee. Both agreed to that switch.

Mayor Struck

Chair – StreetsChair – Public Works Chair – Finance

Council Position #1Daryle Buchanan

*Fire Dept. *Docks/Parks

Council Position #2Bunny Williams

*Streets*RWCC *Police

Council Position #3 Patricia Neve (Mayor Pro Tem)

*Finance *Public Works *RWCC

Council Position #4Jan Davis

*Fire Dept.*Public Works *Parks

Council Position #5 Dale Little

*Finance*Police*Streets

11. COUNCIL COMMENTS

Councilor Little thanked Police Chief Eastham for allowing him to ride along with Sergeant Stigall a few months ago. It was a great experience and appreciated – thanks Sergeant Stigall!

Councilor Davis is very passionate about recycling and is concerned about the loss of the recycling bins in South Bend. Clerk/Treasurer Roberts explained that she has been in contact with LeMays and they are in the process of giving the City of South Bend a quote for curbside recycling. They don’t offer drop box recycling. Clerk/Treasurer Roberts did point out that whatever the cost of that service would be would have to be passed on to the customer, but that cost is yet to be determined and would ultimately be a council decision.

Councilor Neve wished everyone a Happy New Year and is really looking forward to working with City Supervisor Houk as part of the Public Works Committee.

Councilor Buchanan announced that the Friends of the Willapa Hills Trail – Pacific County will be meeting on January 25th with the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission to discussion the proposed improvements to the Willapa Hills trail. Councilor Buchanan would like to know that the City of South Bend, particularly the council, supports this project. Mayor Struck explained that she had already sent correspondence supporting this project to the appropriate agencies/groups. Councilor Buchanan then read a letter he proposed that the council would sign and he would present at the meeting on the 25th. No decision was made by the council prior to adjournment about signing the letter.

12. ADJOURNMENT

The meeting was adjourned at 6:12 PM to meet again at 5:30 PM on Monday, January 22, 2018 for the next regularly scheduled meeting at South Bend City Hall.

The council meeting was called to order by Mayor Struck at 5:30 pm followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Members present: Councilor Williams, Councilor Neve, Councilor Webber, Councilor Hall, City Supervisor Houk, Police Chief Eastham and Clerk/Treasurer Roberts. Wyatt Kuiken was absent. (Excused)

3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA, CONSENT AGENDA, AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES

A motion was made by Councilor Neve to approve the Agenda, the Consent Agenda and the minutes of the January 9, 2017 regular meeting. The motion was seconded by Councilor Webber. Vote: Ayes-4, Noes-0, Absent-1

Mayor Struck presented the 2107 Custodial Services Agreement noting that there were no changes from the previous year except for the dates. Councilor Williams made a motion to accept the 2017 Custodial Services Agreement as presented. The motion was seconded by Councilor Neve. Vote: Ayes-4, Noes-0, Absent-1

7. 2017 CITY SUPERVISOR/BUILDING INSPECTOR PERSONAL SERVICES CONTRACT

Mayor Struck presented the 2017 City Supervisor/Building Inspector Personal Services Contract noting that the only changes, other than the dates, to the contract were Page 4: 2 – Building Inspector. Yearly salary was reduced to $6,000 (from $24,000) and gross receipts were increased to 20% (from 10%).

Councilor Hall made a motion to accept the 2017 City Supervisor/Building Inspector Personal Services Contract as presented. The motion was seconded by Councilor Neve. Vote: Ayes-4, Noes-0, Absent-1

8. 2017 CLERK/TREASURER PERSONAL SERVICES CONTRACT

Mayor Struck presented the 2017 Clerk/Treasurer Personal Services Contract noting that the only changes, other than the dates, to the contract was the addition of duties K – O on Page 2.

Councilor Hall made a motion to accept the 2017 Clerk/Treasurer Personal Services Contract as presented. The motion was seconded by Councilor Williams. Vote: Ayes-4, Noes-0, Absent-1

9. 2017 CHIEF OF POLICE PERSONAL SERVICES CONTRACT

Mayor Struck presented the 2017 Chief of Police Personal Services Contract noting that the only changes were the dates. Councilor Hall made a motion to accept the 2017 Chief of Police Personal Services Contract as presented. The motion was seconded by Councilor Webber. Vote: Ayes-4, Noes-0, Absent-1

10. 2017 PARKS CARETAKER CONTRACT

Mayor Struck presented the 2017 Parks Caretaker Contract noting that the only changes were the dates. Councilor Hall made a motion to accept the 2017 Parks Caretaker Contract as presented. The motion was seconded by Councilor Neve. Vote: Ayes-4, Noes-0, Absent-1

11. 2017 CITY PROSECUTING ATTORNEY CONTRACT FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Mayor Struck presented the 2017 City Prosecuting Attorney Contract for Professional Services noting that the only changes were the dates. Councilor Hall made a motion to accept the 2017 City Prosecuting Attorney Contract for Professional Services as presented. The motion was seconded by Councilor Webber. Vote: Ayes-4, Noes-0, Absent-1

12. 2017 CONTRACT FOR LEGAL SERVICES FOR INDIGENT CRIMINAL DEFENDANTS

Mayor Struck presented the 2017 Contract for Legal Services for Indigent Criminal Defendants noting that the city’s previous Indigent Criminal Defense attorney, Nancy McAllister, was recently appointed as South County District Court Judge. South County Court dates conflict with South Bend Municipal Court dates so a new Indigent Criminal Defense attorney, Jonathan Quittner, has been selected for South Bend Municipal Court. The monthly fee of $700 was also increased to $725.

Councilor Williams made a motion to accept the 2017 Contract for Legal Services for Indigent Criminal Defendants as presented. The motion was seconded by Councilor Webber Vote: Ayes-4, Noes-0, Absent-1

13. ITEMS FROM THE PUBLIC

None

14. DEPARTMENT HEAD REPORTS

Police Chief Eastham gave a brief overview of the happenings in his department since the last council meeting. He noted that winter is a fairly slow time.

Police Chief Eastham noted that after the civil service testing on Tuesday, January 9th and the oral boards on Wednesday, January 18th there are three individuals on the hiring roster. Two on the entry level roster and one on the lateral roster. Number one on the entry level roster is Patrick Jo who currently lives in Bellevue, but his parents own The Inn in South Bend. Second is Rikki Coma whose dad is Rick Coma. Sarah Boggs is the lateral applicant. Her husband is Arlie Boggs, an officer for Raymond Police Department. Police Chief Eastham plans to make a hiring decision by the end of the week. Councilor Hall asked if he requires a two year commitment. Police Chief Eastham explained that the doesn’t have them sign anything but he does ask for a three year commitment not including the six months spent at the police academy.

City Supervisor Houk explained that the crew has been busy working on the streets and alleys since the rain and freezing weather.

City Supervisor Houk reported the garbage truck is having some oil cooler issues which has put oil through the system. The city is waiting for an estimate, but it is expected to cost around $1,000 to repair. City Supervisor Houk explained that the garbage truck is starting to fall apart and will need to be replaced within the next year before it stops running completely or requires a great deal of money to repair.

8. MAYOR’S REPORT

Mayor Struck reported about her time at AWC’s Mayor’s Exchange which was held in Olympia on January 17th and 18th. There were 90 Mayors in attendance. This is an opportunity for mayors to meet with various legislators and present their concerns, funding issues, unfunded or underfunded needs and/or things that are currently in the legislature that are important to cities. Mayor Struck, Mayor Logan from the City of Othello and Mayor Cronce from the City of Shelton met with Senator Sheldon to talk about the Centennial Fund that currently has 50 million set aside for grants for infrastructure. They encouraged Senator Sheldon to help keep that funded as infrastructure is crucial and unfunded for so many small cities.

Other things that are currently being looked at are revising the Public Records Act (PRA) for electronic records requests and allowing municipalities to charge for those types of requests. Some kind of PRA dispute resolution – how they were obtained, what was obtained, did the requested get what they asked for, etc. One thing being considered might possibly be mediation. Something less expensive for municipalities vs the complainant. Grant funding for technology investment – for record retention software. A lot of the costs associated with a public records request (PRR) is maintaining information in a format that is easy to access and distribute to people, but that type of software is expensive.

FAST Act which is Federal Highway Funds – which is currently funded at $75 million over five years. This is not Washington Department of Transportation so it really doesn’t affect us, unfortunately. One thing that they did cover was the “Roughness Index” which showed how, if you work to maintain your roads with chip sealing, etc. how much longer your roads will last compared to no maintenance at all.

There was a discussion about President Trump’s pledge of a Trillion dollars for infrastructure. In his first 100 days his plan is to get 140 billion from private investors with tax credit incentives. In the next 100 days he would lay out a large infrastructure package.

The Public Works Trust Fund has been swept. The way things stand right now even the payments that come in from current loan payments will be swept as they come in. The Association of Washington Cities (AWC) are currently trying to at least keep the payments that come in to help rebuild the fund, but AWC has been told that all of the money is needed to pay for the McCleary Decision.

(The McCleary decision stems from a lawsuit filed in 2007 by school districts, local teacher unions, community groups and the McCleary and Venema families. The plaintiffs won in trial court, and again in 2012 before the state Supreme Court.

Standing outside the courtroom Wednesday, Stephanie McCleary held a photo of her son Carter, who was a young boy when the case began. Carter is now a senior in high school. As the case has plodded along, other children of the McCleary and Venema families have graduated.

“I’m hopeful that maybe this is the time that we’ll be able to move forward,” said Stephanie McCleary. But, she added later: “I really didn’t expect to be here, sitting next to … adult children, when we started this lawsuit.”

Since the 2012 decision, lawmakers and Inslee have boosted state spending on school-bus transportation, materials and operating costs, and moved to provide all-day kindergarten and reduce class sizes in kindergarten through grade 3.

But it left what’s arguably the hardest task for last — pay for teachers and other school employees.

The education funding task force formed by the Legislature last session is expected to draft a plan for fully funding basic education by the start of the 2017 legislative session, which begins in January. That will come after the task force receives a detailed analysis from an independent consultant on teacher pay and how much is now covered by school districts through local property-tax levies.

Sen. Christine Rolfes, D-Bainbridge Island, said she hopes both Democrats and Republicans can come up with a plan that has bipartisan support.

Inslee is also expected to release a McCleary plan when the governor’s office rolls out its proposed budget in December.

For those who have watched the case unfold over the years, a resolution on school funding can’t come soon enough.

“I think the merry-go-round analogy [made by Ahearne] was very good,” said Kim Mead, president of the Washington Education Association, the state’s largest teacher’s union. We’re waiting for the merry-go-round to stop.”)

Mayor Struck noted that she will be going to AWC’s City Action Days next month – February 15th and 16th. Held annually during the legislative session, City Action Days is AWC’s two-day legislative conference to educate statewide decision makers about city priorities and push the city agenda forward.

16. COUNCIL COMMENTS

Councilor Williams asked if there was any money set aside to purchase a garbage truck. Clerk/Treasurer Roberts explained that the garbage fund currently has $45,000 set aside in capital outlay for a down payment or to help with loan payments. City Supervisor Houk noted that in 2018 the city would be looking at purchasing a new garbage truck with a lifting arm. The city would also be required to purchase the garbage cans that work with this type of system. The cost would be in the range of $250,000 and would require a loan. Mayor Struck explained that the majority of the L & I claims that the city has had over the years stem from the garbage truck and the wear and tear it has on a person’s body lifting so many cans (approximately 900) per week, not including pushing dumpsters around.

Councilor Neve presented City Supervisor Houk with a large set of bolt cutters which were given to her by Citizen Richard Glover. Mr. Glover advised Councilor Neve that he had witnessed an incident where first responders were unable to enter a trailer because it was paddle locked and the first responders didn’t have the equipment to cut the lock so he wanted to provide them with the bolt cutters for future use. City Supervisor Houk advised he would pass them on.

Councilor Webber complimented Sargent Stigall for responding to a call that Councilor Webber’s husband Jamie had made regarding people loitering around Bud’s Lumber one evening. Sargent Stigall took the time to call Jamie back and give him an update about the call. It was very much appreciated. Good Job Sargent Stigall.

Councilor Hall mentioned that in December he had been in city hall talking with Mayor Struck and City Supervisor Houk who had been trying unsuccessfully to get ahold of the Department of Fish & Wildlife (DFW) regarding some dead trees at the boat launch. Later that day City Supervisor Houk was finally able to get ahold of someone from DFW and since that time the city crew has taken care of the dead trees. Good job!

17. EXECUTIVE SESSION – LABOR NEGOTIATIONS

Prior to adjourning to Executive Session Mayor Struck advised that no decisions would be made. Mayor Struck called the Executive Session to order at 5:58 PM for 10 minutes for the purpose of labor negotiations. Councilor Williams, Councilor Neve, Councilor Webber, Councilor Hall, City Supervisor Houk, Police Chief Eastham and Clerk/Treasurer Roberts were in attendance.

Mayor Struck reconvened the meeting at 6:04 pm.

Executive sessions are done in accordance with RCW 42.30.080

18. ADJOURNMENT

The meeting was adjourned at 6:04 PM to meet again at 5:30 PM on Monday, February 13, 2017 for the next regularly scheduled meeting at South Bend City Hall.

The council meeting was called to order by Mayor Struck at 5:30 pm followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Members present: Councilor Kuiken, Councilor Williams, Councilor Neve, City Supervisor Houk, Police Chief Eastham, City Attorney William Penoyar and Clerk/Treasurer Roberts.

3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA, CONSENT AGENDA, AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES

A motion was made by Councilor Neve to approve the Agenda, the Consent Agenda and the minutes of the December 12, 2016 regular meeting. The motion was seconded by Councilor Williams. Vote: Ayes-3, Noes-0, Absent-2

Mayor Struck announced that she had appointed South Bend Citizen Rick Meyer to the planning commission and she respectfully requested confirmation from the council. Councilor Williams made a motion confirming Citizen Rick Meyer to the planning commission. The motion was seconded by Councilor Neve. strong>Vote: Ayes-3, Noes-0, Absent-2

6. ITEMS FROM THE PUBLIC

None

7. DEPARTMENT HEAD REPORTS

Police Chief Eastham gave a brief overview of the happenings in his department since the last council meeting. He noted that the holiday season was fairly slow with only four domestics.

Police Chief Eastham noted that there will be civil service testing on Tuesday, January 9th and oral boards on Wednesday, January 18th. Hopefully his department will be fully staffed within the next few months. There are a total of six entry level applicants and one lateral applicant.

Officer Luis Gonzalez will graduate from the police academy on March 22nd. He is doing well and getting very good grades.

City Supervisor Houk explained that the crew discovered a water leak at Minnesota and Monroe that had been leaking into a storm drain for a very long time. Because it was leaking into a storm drain it was not detected until the ground shifted enough for it to start bubbling up to the surface. He showed the council a rock that had a large divot worn into it from the constant flow of water. It was estimated that it was leaking approximately a million gallons of water a month.

Clerk/Treasurer Roberts announced that the exit conference with the State Auditor will be January 11th at 3pm. If anyone plans to attend she requested that they let her know in case there might be a quorum. She briefly went over the few things that the auditor felt should be corrected, most of which were general housekeeping items. Overall it was a very clean audit.

8. MAYOR’S REPORT

Mayor Struck welcomed new councilor Wyatt Kuiken. Everyone agreed he will be a great addition to the council.

Mayor Struck noted that the city currently has two projects in the works, the Water Treatment Plant Upgrade and the Fliess Creek Water Source Project. Both of which will require outside funding.

9. COUNCIL COMMENTS

Councilor Kuiken noted that Tim McGee from public works called him first thing that morning to see if there was anything that he needed as far as the roads were concerned. (It had snowed overnight and the roads were slick) Councilor Kuiken appreciated it very much. City Supervisor Houk advised he would pass it on to the crew.

10. EXECUTIVE SESSION – POTENTIAL LITIGATION & LABOR NEGOTIATIONS

Prior to adjourning to Executive Session Mayor Struck advised that no decisions would be made. Mayor Struck called the Executive Session to order at 5:40 PM for 20 minutes for the purpose of potential litigation and labor negotiations. Councilor Kuiken, Councilor Williams, Councilor Neve, City Supervisor Houk and Clerk/Treasurer Roberts were in attendance. Also in attendance was city attorney William Penoyar.

Mayor Struck reconvened the meeting at 6:01 pm.

Executive sessions are done in accordance with RCW 42.30.080

11. ADJOURNMENT

The meeting was adjourned at 6:01 PM to meet again at 5:30 PM on Monday, January 23, 2017 for the next regularly scheduled meeting at South Bend City Hall.